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Physics of the Impossible

Author:

Irma Arkus

Michio Kaku, a theoretical physicist has just released his new book, “Physics of the Impossible: A Scientific Exploration into the World of Phasers, Force Fields, Teleportation, and Time Travel.” CJSF volunteer, Irma Arkus, reviews…

His newest addition to my already hefty bookshelf is an attempt at identifying applicable sci-fi technology. In other words, Kaku’s unique approach clarifies that faint line between technologies that are already available (yet understood only as fictional) and those that present a challenge, but not necessarily an insurmountable one.

Cloaking technology, for one, has been the big news of 2007, as many research teams have ascertained techniques of bending light and creating “invisible objects.” Even though the cloak of invisibility still belongs in realm of fantasy and science fiction, they are no longer out of reach. New South Korean developments in light-bending technologies have already made significant strides to create a successful prototype, making cloaking technology a distinct item available in the near future. It’s not impossible, just a little hard to find on your supermarket shelf.

Kaku goes on to explain that even identified Class I Impossible Technologies, those identified by the science community as mere fiction, are actually possible, if one takes into consideration some recent discoveries. From psychokinesis, and telepathy to time travel and teleportation, Kaku explains in layman’s terms what some of difficulties, as well as solutions are, in turning these fictional gains into reality. The famed Light Saber, for example, already exists as we have laser technology. But in order for one to have a mobile laser device that cuts everything in its path, a la Luke Skywalker, we would require a far more powerful, mobile power supply. In other words, it isn’t so much a problem with the laser, as it is with the batteries it may require.

From time travel to fun with weapons, Kaku’s newest release is an entertaining read, one that successfully melds science and fun, making him one of those rare physicists who are appealing equally to everyone, charming their way into our hearts.